A North Carolina wilderness camp, Trails Carolina, for troubled youth is now under investigation after a 12-year-old's mysterious death.
The lifeless body of a 12-year-old boy was found 24 hours after arriving at a therapy wilderness camp. Authorities involved in the investigation stated that the mysterious death of the boy appears to not be natural.
North Carolina Wilderness Camp Under Fire After 12-Year-Old's Mysterious Death
The 12-year-old boy was found dead in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, at Trails Carolina Camp on the morning of February 3. The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office has not publicly named the boy.
The unidentified boy, who had been transported from New York by two individuals hired by his parents, was discovered lifeless in his assigned cabin on the morning of February 3.
Trails Carolina Camp, known for its adventure therapy program, became the site of a wilderness camp tragedy as the 12-year-old's death raised suspicions due to the brief time he spent at the facility.
The staff found him not breathing shortly after 8 a.m., triggering CPR attempts, though emergency responders, upon arrival, determined that the child had been deceased for some time.
Conflicting Accounts Heighten Scrutiny Amid Investigations
Following an autopsy conducted earlier this week, a forensic pathologist declared the boy's death as not natural, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
The camp, Trails Carolina, has stated that it placed the staff members from the boy's cabin on leave.
However, the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office has reported challenges in obtaining complete cooperation from the camp during their inquiries.
Trails Carolina, disputing these claims, issued a statement through a public relations firm, asserting their full cooperation and challenging the accuracy of the Sheriff's Office's account.
They highlighted internal and external investigations that found no evidence of harm caused by the camp or any improper supervision.
The conflicting reports between authorities and the camp administration add to the intricacy of the case.
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Trails Carolina's Troubled Past Comes Under Scrutiny
This tragic incident is not the first instance of Trails Carolina Camp facing scrutiny. In 2014, a 17-year-old camper, Alec Lansing, tragically lost his life after walking away from the camp.
Reports from that time suggested that the camp delayed calling for help, leading to a $12,000 fine for failing to supervise a student.
Trails Carolina has faced deficiencies in recent years, as revealed in a 2023 Department of Health and Human Services report.
The report cited the camp for failing to provide adequate training to staff on alternatives to restrictive interventions.
Moreover, legal issues surround the camp, as federal court records indicate a lawsuit filed in 2022 by the father of a former student.
The lawsuit alleges molestation within the camp, with staff denying the victim's request for separate housing.
Despite the dismissal of the complaint, it resurfaced in 2023 under the student's name, with Trails Carolina denying the allegations.
As investigations into the 12-year-old's mysterious death continue, Trails Carolina Camp remains under scrutiny for its past incidents, deficiencies, and legal troubles.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working closely with local authorities on-site to gather information.
The camp's commitment to rectifying previous deficiencies and ensuring the safety of its residents will likely be central to the ongoing investigations.
This tragedy casts a dark shadow over Trails Carolina Camp, prompting a reevaluation of the camp's practices, safety protocols, and overall accountability in providing a secure environment for the adolescents entrusted to their care.
